Appointment Request
You can use this form to request an appointment.
Once received, we will check the form details and confirm appointment times with you.
We cannot guarantee an appointment without confirmation.
New Patient Registration
If you would like to register as a patient with YourGP, please fill in your details below and one of our team will be in touch.
What do Pamela Anderson, Benedict Cumberbatch, Billie Eilish and Venus and Serena Williams all have in common? The answer is they all follow a vegan diet. Over the last 20 years, Dr Phimister has seen a steady increase in the number of patients going vegan. So, if you’re curious about this plant-based diet, got questions about the pros and cons, or swithering about making the switch, read on.
The rise in social media, trends and awareness initiatives such as ‘Veganuary’, coupled with the influencer and celebrity effect, has undoubtedly played a big role in the rise of veganism. But for many vegans, it’s not just about trying to emulate an aspirational celebrity lifestyle. It’s about taking a stand.
Many are compelled to go vegan for ethical reasons – in strong objection to animal cruelty and in support of animal rights, for example. For others, it’s about the ecological impact of a carnivorous diet. We know that pastoral farming results in higher carbon emissions and greater water pollution, and the devastating deforestation in the Amazon rainforest is directly related to farming animals.
For many others, the switch to this plant-based diet is driven by its associated health benefits.
According to Dr Phimister, the associated health benefits of following a vegan diet include a lower risk of:
He also notes that avoiding red meat can help to reduce cholesterol. Plus, cutting out meat means cutting out the consumption of stress hormones and antibiotics found in the meat and products of cows and chickens raised in unnatural living conditions. In addition, there is a lot to be said for avoiding ultra-processed foods such as chicken nuggets and fish fingers.
Whilst the benefits listed above are certainly compelling, it is important to take a balanced view and consider the potential drawbacks of following a vegan diet. From his experience of treating many patients over the years and research, Dr Phimister highlights the following health concerns to be aware of:
Given the potential deficiencies listed above, Dr Phimister advises discussing the following with your GP or primary care professional:
Being a vegan is a personal choice. Ethical arguments aside, those looking to switch to a purely plant-based diet may do well to consider the scientific evidence pointing to lacto-vegetarians or pescatarians being healthier. Studies have even shown that eating a good quality steak or beef infrequently will help you absorb all the easily absorbed vitamins, minerals and iron.
In addition, Dr Phimister suggests that fermented dairy and non-dairy sources are important food sources of probiotics to support the gut microbiome and health. And that minimising ultra-processed foods is the most critical step in eating for health.
*Studies, references and resources
All my needs, including requests for appointments and treatment enquiries, were met with enthusiasm and sense of wanting to help. No question seemed inappropriate or trivial.